Duggan calls for ‘#calm, #compassion’ in wake of beating of Roseville man

As a 54-year-old Roseville man who was beaten in Detroit while driving to his landscaping job Wednesday remained in critical condition Friday, while Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan showed his concern via social media.

“This week a group of young men showed who they were when they beat Steve Utash. Let us show who we are in our response. #calm #compassion,” he Tweeted to his 6,407 followers Friday afternoon.

The mayor and Detroit City Council also released a joint statement asking for calm during the aftermath of the incident and sending prayers to both injured parties.

Utash remained in a Detroit hospital Friday after he was beaten by a mob of juveniles a two days before when he got out of his pickup truck to help a 10-year-old boy who he struck with his car after the boy walked out in front of his vehicle, on Morang near Cadieux. While Utash was being punched and kicked, several of the juveniles entered his pickup truck and stole the contents, including his wallet, police said.

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A surveillance video of the incident from a gas station was released by Detroit police.

Detroit Police Officer Jennifer Moreno said police are seeking help from people who may have witnessed the beating.

“We need help from the pubic in identifying the group of young men who attacked the man,” Moreno said. “He was badly assaulted.

“We are looking at video footage from local businesses to identify the attackers. We need help from the community.”

Detroit Police Chief James Craig told WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) on Friday that the apparent vigilantism by the attackers is “not acceptable.”

“Vigilantism, I don’t support. I don’t advocate,” he said.

While Utash is in a hospital clinging to life, a fund has been set up at Roseville High School and at the web site, gofundme.com, to raise money for his medical expenses.

Roseville Public Schools Superintendent John R. Kment said a move is underway at the high school to help Utash, who worked as a landscaper at a Grosse Pointe Woods firm. The drive to raise money for Utash is being conducted by his daughter, Felicia Utash, 20, a graduate of Roseville High School.

The effort at gofundme.com had raised more than $21,000 by Friday evening.

The web site also drew supportive comments from donors and others.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” John Shoemaker posted on the web site. “Breaks our heart to know someone did this to you when you were concerned for another. God Bless you and your family.”

Anyone with information on the beating can call 313-596-2200 or Crime Stoppers at 800-773-2587.